UPDATE: for 2015 the block heater was standard equipment. For 2017 it's listed as an available accessory.

Who's planning to use their factory-equipped block heater? It's beautiful and warm here in eastern Ontario today, but we'll be seeing some more single digit temps soon enough. We've already had one frost warning, and freezing temps aren't that far away.

But manuals are also affected because regardless of transmission, the engine runs on an enriched fuel mixture until the coolant is up to a certain temperature.

And the colder it is outside, the longer it takes to get out of warm-up mode.

Also, oil viscosity (thickness) increases as temperature drops. The engine works harder and burns more fuel to pump it around and to move parts separated by an oil layer. (Does the Micra specify synthetic oil? If so, it's not as affected by this issue.)

2) You'll reduce wear

Most of your engine wear occurs from cold starts, when the oil has drained down into the pan. Warm oil will circulate through the engine faster and oil pressure will come up sooner.

It's also easier on the battery to start a pre-heated engine.

3) More comfy!

You'll get cabin heat sooner if you use the block heater.

Sure, you could also get heat sooner if you just idle your car in the driveway, but that just kills your fuel economy, increases emissions and costs more.

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I've already started using the coolant heater in my old Firefly. I'm actually a "3-season" block heater user. It's not just for wintertime anymore!

wattage?

OH: question for anyone who's got a Kill-a-watt energy monitor. Could you plug it into the block heater and tell us how many watts it is? I'm very curious, and I forgot to check when I had the SR automatic loaner.

Also, can someone confirm that this is a frost-plug type of installation? I'm 95% sure it is.

I'm with Darin on this. I love my block heater. Get in a car and you get heat a lot faster in winter, plus you reduce engine wear, and get better fuel economy? What isn't to love. I also put mine on a timer so it doesn't suck down electricity all night.

That timer idea is just what i need to start using the block heater. I heard too many stories of people using block heaters not being able to start when their not plugged in. i feel that just heating 2-3 hours before leaving will reduce that effect.
Am i way out there with this assumption?

I've heard that one too: that a block heater will somehow "spoil" the car, and then it won't start unless you ALWAYS plug it in.

It's an urban myth.

There may be a tiny grain of truth that started the myth: if the car's battery is on its last legs, it may be able to start a warm engine, whereas a near-death battery won't be able to turn over a stone cold motor.

Another possible tiny grain of truth: if the car's got a carburetor with a busted choke, it may start if the engine is pre-warmed, but not if it's too cold. (That one's a long shot.)